In sharp contract to Montana, Red River was a stunning zoo. The exhibits were creative, unusual, and filled with visible critters.

I loved the mouse display. I’ve been wondering if our pet rats might like something similar – something to think about the next time I bake badly…

On the other hand, this one creeped me out. I have NO intentions of recreating this scene for Kayla’s pet Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

In addition to great displays, there were opportunities to interact with the critters as well. I’d always wondered what it would be like to pet a baby porcupine.  (FYI –Not nearly as irritating as petting that cactus in Saguaro National Park in Arizona….)

And, as a bonus, they had a great colony of prairie dogs -- one of our most favorite animals to watch!